Five Things Learnt from weekend’s action
Snore-fest at Anfield, Stoke fans are strange and Jonjo Shelvey shines
The Premier League was back and once again it was an eventful weekend of football, so it’s time for SillySeason to reveal their Five Things Learnt from the action.
It’s not over yet in terms of the action as there is one game tonight which sees Watford travel to Swansea City, but after the nine games played over Saturday and Sunday, it’s time to reveal are highlights.
In a weekend that saw three different clubs go top of the Premier League, it also saw debuts for certain players and also a classic rivalry renewed at Anfield.
Here are our Five Things Learnt.
5) Jonjo Shelvey Shines On Debut
It’s strange what a new player can bring to a club and what a boost it can provide.
Jonjo Shelvey was signed by Newcastle United from Swansea City and right away he was in the starting XI and having a blinder for Steve McClaren’s men.
Shelvey is the type of player the Magpies have missed. Someone who can control the game and someone who can pick a pass from across the pitch.
His ball to Daryl Janmaat for Newcastle’s second-goal was unbelievable and his overall impact on the squad was visible.
A great signing for Newcastle.
4) Charlie Austin Is A Steal
Although this point had nothing to do with the action, it did happen on Saturday so we wanted to include it.
Southampton announced the signing of Charlie Austin from Queens Park Rangers in a deal worth just £4million.
This guy isn’t a normal Championship striker, he proved himself in the Premier League last year by scoring 18-goals for the relegated side.
Yes his contract at Loftus Road was expiring in the summer, but it’s an unbelievable signing for Saints and for such a small fee.
You’ll struggle to find a better deal in terms of talent and value for money this window.
3) Chelsea Show Fight, But Still Fall Short
After going 2-0 down and then 3-2 down late on, Chelsea still managed to recover and take a point off Everton on Saturday.
Arguably it’s still not a great result for Guus Hiddink’s side, but it proves that their players are finally showing some fight and are finally playing for the shirt again.
We wonder how the game would have gone if Jose Mourinho was still in charge. After going 2-0 down, would the players have given up?
They showed fight and determination to rescue a point, but in truth, they fell short of expectations once again.
Arsenal away next weekend proves it’s not getting any easier for Chelsea, but they need to start picking up consistent wins and performances.
2) Stoke City Fans Let Down Their Club
It’s a shame how fans can spoil a club’s reputation, but that’s what the Stoke City supporters are doing, especially when Arsenal come to town.
It’s understandable there is a rivalry and a hatred between the two clubs for the Aaron Ramsey/Ryan Shawcross incident a few years ago, but some of the chants and the abuse aimed at Ramsey and also Arsene Wenger is despicable.
‘He walks with a limp, he walks with a limp, Aaron Ramsey, he walks with a limp.’
The above was just one of the MANY chants aimed at Ramsey by the Stoke fans. They are chanting and mocking about a player breaking his leg and nearly ending his career.
It’s unacceptable and quite frankly it’s disgusting as well.
Stoke have changed their mindset in recent years and now actually play football, it’s just a shame their fans ruin that for them.
1) Wayne Rooney’s Goal Covers Up Snooze-fest
It is so bizarre to watch a Manchester United/Liverpool game that has no visible talent on show.
The game at Anfield yesterday was unbelievably boring and unbelievably stale for the full 90-minutes.
Neither team looked exciting or dangerous going forward and frankly neither side deserved to get a goal yet alone the win.
However, another Wayne Rooney goal gave United the win at Anfield late on in the second-half, but quite frankly it was a game and a derby to forget.
So there are our Five Things Learnt from the weekend’s action.
What did you make of it?
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt